Basic

What are the benefits of studying off-campus?

Studying off-campus transforms your coursework throughout college into material that matters to your life. Students who have been in off-campus programs cite personal and academic growth, as well as increased career opportunities after graduation.

What majors can go?

Any major can study off-campus for a semester, but it is more difficult for some majors. If you are in a course of study that requires a specific, sequential requirements, like education or nursing, talk to your advisor as early as possible. See also Will studying off-campus for a semester delay my graduation?.

Will studying off-campus for a semester delay my graduation?

Probably not. If you plan with your advisor early, you should be able to graduate on time. However, majors that are more dependent on outside certifications, such as education and nursing, might require an extra semester. If you plan to study abroad, it is best to talk to your advisor early in the process in order to plan a schedule for future coursework that will accommodate the semester you plan to be off-campus. See also Do you have any summer programs?

When should I go?

We usually recommend studying abroad in your junior year or the first semester of your senior year.

Why are most of your programs one semester long?

Students who have studied abroad testify that the effectiveness and worth of off-campus study programs, particularly international programs, increase exponentially with the length of the program. Because of this, we encourage students to participate in programs that are at least one semester long. However, because some students cannot miss an entire semester due to their majors, we offer a few summer options and are working to make more short-term programs available to students. See Do you have any summer programs?

Does SNU administer all of the off-campus study programs?

The only program that SNU actually operates is the Quetzal Education Research Center in Costa Rica. Other universities, groups of universities, or other entities run all other programs. Before any SNU student enrolls in a study program, it is evaluated to ensure that it is a beneficial, safe program for SNU students. The CGE works to ensure that all students who study off-campus have a worthwhile, rewarding experience.

Finances

How much does it cost?

Studying off-campus will probably cost slightly more than a normal semester at SNU. Each program sets the price of the program, but they are usually fairly close to the cost of SNU. The cost for each of the BestSemester.com programs is posted on the corresponding website. In addition to the price of the program, most programs require that you pay for transportation to and from the program.

How much extra spending money will I need?

It depends on where you are, how much extra travel you want to do, how many gifts want to buy, and how much local cuisine you want to sample! The CGE is happy to help you figure this out when you know what program you will be participating in.

If I go off-campus, what will I study?

Where will I live? What will I eat?

It depends on your program. Some students live in dorms or apartments, others live with host families. Some students have a cook, while others eat local food prepared by locals. See Programs.

What programs are available?

See Programs. If are interested in a different destination or a specific course of study, let us know. The CGE will work to find a program that you are passionate about. However, this takes time, so talk to us early!

When should I apply?

Normally, it is best to apply the semester before you want to study abroad. Depending on the individual programs, application deadlines for fall semesters are usually February 1-April 1, while spring semester deadlines are generally May 1-October 1.

I want to study at another Nazarene university for a semester. Do I talk to the CGE?

It depends. If you want to study at a Nazarene college or university in another country, then come talk to us. If you simply want to study for a semester at a Nazarene college in the States, talk to Academic Affairs, located in Bresee.

Can you give me information on mission trips in other countries?

Academics

How will I receive credit for a semester off-campus?

Most programs will simply send a transcript of your grades for the study-abroad semester directly to the SNU Registrar. Some coursework may apply directly to your major, some to general education requirements, and the remainder as elective credits. Since this is different with each major and with each study abroad program, these details will be worked out in consultation with your advisor and the director of the CGE.

My advisor can’t answer all of my questions about studying off-campus. What should I do?

Concerns

Is living in another country safe?

Yes. SNU and the CGE will not allow any student to attend a program in a country that we think is likely to be unsafe. All SNU-endorsed programs have orientations to inform students of practices that will increase their ability to avoid any problems. However, SNU and the CGE cannot guarantee your complete safety, just as we cannot guarantee your security here in the United States.

Also, sometimes perceptions in the United States inaccurately judge the safety of other countries in the world. As a part of their study abroad programs, SNU students have traveled to such places as Israel and Cuba, and report extremely high levels of personal security.

My parents have questions about me studying in another country. What do I do?

Set aside time to talk with your parents and find out specific concerns that they have. They are concerned because they love you, so listen to what they have to say with an open mind. After you know what the issues are, start researching the answers. If you need help or your parents want to talk to someone in charge, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. You may also refer them to the For Parents section of this website to see what parents of SNU students have said about study abroad.

I don’t want to miss out on campus life for an entire semester. Is studying off-campus worth it?

Yes. Many students who have studied off-campus say that while they wanted to take part in TWIRP or be in on their friends’ inside jokes from the semester, their semester off-campus was one million times more awesome than staying in Oklahoma. See Is studying abroad easy?

Is studying abroad easy?

Almost nothing about studying abroad is easy. The preparations take time, travel can be expensive, and doing intense study in another place is difficult. But ask any student who has studied abroad, and they will tell you that the difficulties do not compare to the tremendous rewards that study abroad offers.

Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university - a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and their fellow man. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world. Read More